Use these notes to understand a method before testing yourself. Read an example, try it without looking, then explain the steps in your own words.
Written by QuizChallenge SA · Updated 29 September 2026 · 65 questions available for this grade
Fractions, decimals and area
A fraction describes equal parts of a whole. To find 3/4 of 48, first divide 48 by 4 to find one quarter, which is 12. Multiply 12 by 3 to get 36. This method separates the size of one part from the number of parts needed. For decimal addition, align place values: 2.35 + 0.8 becomes 2.35 + 0.80 = 3.15.
Worked example or application
A rectangle 8 cm by 5 cm has area 8 × 5 = 40 cm². Its perimeter is 8 + 5 + 8 + 5 = 26 cm. Area covers the surface; perimeter measures its boundary.
Common mistake: Do not add a fraction’s numerator and denominator together, or give area in centimetres instead of square centimetres.
Check your understanding: Cover the example and explain its reasoning. Change one detail and consider how the answer would change.
Food, mixtures and electrical systems
Plants use light energy to make food from carbon dioxide and water. In a food chain, a producer makes its own food, while consumers obtain food by eating other organisms. Draw arrows in the direction energy is transferred: from grass to a grasshopper, then to a bird. In a mixture, the materials keep properties that may allow them to be separated.
Worked example or application
Sand mixed with water can be separated by filtration because the sand is insoluble and its particles are trapped by the filter. A dissolved substance is not removed by ordinary filtration in the same way.
Common mistake: A lamp needs a complete conducting circuit. A battery alone does not make it light if the path is broken.
Check your understanding: Cover the example and explain its reasoning. Change one detail and consider how the answer would change.
Reading maps and understanding trade
Start a map by reading its title, key, direction indicator and scale. A key explains symbols; direction tells you where places lie relative to one another. On world maps, latitude helps describe north–south location and longitude helps describe east–west location. Trade connects producers and consumers in different places. An import enters a country; an export leaves it.
Worked example or application
If South Africa buys a product made abroad, it is an import for South Africa. The same sale is an export for the country sending it. Always state whose point of view you are using.
Common mistake: Do not confuse the compass direction of a place with the route you must travel to reach it.
Check your understanding: Cover the example and explain its reasoning. Change one detail and consider how the answer would change.
Mapungubwe and historical evidence
Mapungubwe provides evidence of an important southern African kingdom linked to wider trade. Objects such as the gold rhinoceros show skilled craftsmanship and social wealth. Historical interpretation combines material objects, site evidence and other sources. Ask what a source can show, what it cannot show, and how another source could help check the conclusion.
Worked example or application
A gold object supports an inference that its makers had metalworking skills. On its own, it does not tell us the exact number of people living in the kingdom or every detail of their daily lives.
Common mistake: Avoid turning one object into proof of every claim about a society. Separate observed evidence from your inference.
Check your understanding: Cover the example and explain its reasoning. Change one detail and consider how the answer would change.
Reading clues and writing clearly
When answering a comprehension question, find words in the text that support your answer. A literal answer is stated directly; an inference follows from clues. In writing, group related ideas into paragraphs and keep verb tenses consistent. Check who performs the action and whether the subject is singular or plural before choosing the verb.
Worked example or application
“Rain hammered the roof. Ayanda pulled the blanket tighter.” This suggests Ayanda probably felt cold. It does not establish the time of day. “The children play” uses a plural subject; “The child plays” uses a singular subject.
Common mistake: An inference is a supported conclusion, not an invented detail. When editing, check meaning as well as spelling.
Check your understanding: Cover the example and explain its reasoning. Change one detail and consider how the answer would change.
Choices, responsibility and useful feedback
Responsible choices consider safety, other people’s dignity and the consequences of an action. If a task goes badly, identify what happened and what you can do differently. A disappointing mark is information about current performance, not a permanent judgement of ability. In games and arts activities, practise fairly and give feedback that describes a specific action rather than attacking a person.
Worked example or application
Instead of saying “I am bad at maths”, write “I confuse area and perimeter; I will draw two rectangles and label both measurements.” A precise next step is easier to carry out than a broad negative label.
Common mistake: Seeking help is part of learning. Tell a trusted adult about unsafe pressure, bullying or concerns that you cannot manage alone.
Check your understanding: Cover the example and explain its reasoning. Change one detail and consider how the answer would change.
Practise Grade 6
Choose from English, Geography, History, Life Skills, Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology. Social Sciences is separated into Geography and History practice in Grades 6–9. Your school timetable may include other languages or electives.
Use your teacher’s current term plan and textbook to check what you need to cover. These notes select concepts for practice; they do not replace lessons, practical tasks, essays or examination preparation. Examples with financial rates are hypothetical unless clearly identified otherwise.